http://www.sheknows.com/articles/food-and-recipes/dessert-recipesMon, 02 Mar 2015 11:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069155/boxed-cake-mix-hacks-easy-dessert-recipes
It's something most of us have lingering in our cabinets, but you probably aren't using it to its full potential. I'm talking boxed cake mix, people.Because other than birthdays, when do you really end up making straight-up cake? Instead, you can use your boxed cake mix to create a variety of exciting desserts, from frozen ice cream cupcakes to a red velvet cheesecake ball that will wow party guests.

So next time cake mix goes on sale, you can feel totally fine about stocking up. The 17 decadent treats below are worth your while (and the pantry space!).

1. Ice cream cupcake recipe

Cake and ice cream are classic birthday party treats, but this recipe combines the two for a frozen dessert that's really something to celebrate. Best of all, it works with any flavor of cake mix and ice cream that your heart desires.

2. Champagne-lemon mini Bundt cake recipe

These elegant Bundt cakes get a boost from bubbly and sweet-tart lemon cake mix. Delicate and lemony, these cakes are perfect for tea parties, New Year's and cocktail parties.

3. Slow cooker cake recipes

Did you know you can make cake in the slow cooker? These recipes, including carrot cake, lemon-berry scoop cake and chocolate nut cake, are easier than you would imagine thanks to your slow cooker and carrot, white and chocolate cake mixes.

4. Funfetti dip recipe

It seems like Funfetti is every kid's favorite cake. This dip reimagines Funfetti as a creamy, sweet dip that's perfect with animal crackers, cookies and fruit, and all it takes is that box of Funfetti cake mix you probably already have in your cupboard.

6. Maple-pecan bars recipe

7. Birthday cake pancakes recipe

This fun recipe puts the celebration in your breakfast with the addition of yellow cake mix and a dash of sprinkles. What kid (or adult!) wouldn't love these as their birthday breakfast?

8. Low-fat St. Patrick's Day whoopie pie recipe

Yum! Who knew homemade whoopie pies could be so easy — and relatively healthy? Changing the food coloring you add to the white cake mix makes this recipe perfect for other holidays too.

9. Vegan chocolate cake with fruit recipe

If you've ever felt daunted at the thought of vegan baking, you're in luck! It turns out that many chocolate cake mixes, like Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake Mix, are vegan. Using soy or coconut yogurt and applesauce, you'll be able to churn out a dreamy vegan dessert in no time.

10. 2-Ingredient pumpkin cookies recipe

Two-ingredient cookies — what's not to love? All it takes is a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin puree; you can dust with powdered sugar or slather with frosting if you're feeling fancy.

11. Cake batter blondies recipe

This super-fun recipe is perfect for when you're craving the dense, chewy texture of a brownie but only have white cake mix on hand.

13. 3-Ingredient grilled peach cobbler recipe

I think you just found your new favorite summer barbecue treat! It's amazing how a box of vanilla cake mix, canned peaches in syrup and a little butter combine to make this sweet grilled dessert.

14. Red velvet puppy chow recipe

The sweet flavors of red velvet cake mix and cream cheese frosting combined with the crunch of Chex cereal make this holiday snack a real standout. Change up the color of the sprinkles for a fun snack year-round.

15. Red velvet cheesecake ball recipe

Savory cheese balls are so last year. This red velvet cake mix version, covered in miniature chocolate morsels and served with cookies for dipping, will totally bring you over to the sweet side.

16. Cookie dough-frosted chocolate cake recipe

This decadent cake looks like it took you all day, but with that box of dark chocolate cake mix you have lingering in the back of your pantry, it's ready in minutes. Plus, it's like eating cookie dough with a side of chocolate cake. Winner.

17. Brownie batter milkshake recipe

OK, technically this is made with boxed brownie mix and not cake mix, but it's close enough because, well, just look at it. It had to go on this list.

More fun cake

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069155/boxed-cake-mix-hacks-easy-dessert-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesJustina HuddlestonSat, 28 Feb 2015 09:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075367/ultimate-layer-cake-recipe
There are just way too many desserts and dessert flavors to choose from these days, so mix up all your favorites with this twist on a typical layer cake. Add anything from red velvet to cheesecake for a different type of surprise-inside cake that's sure to be a hit with anyone with a major sweet tooth.

Directions:

Make the brownie, red velvet and chocolate chip cookie layers individually, per the directions on the box/package, but bake each in a 6-inch cake pan.

Once the layers have cooled, trim them so they are even and the same thickness.

To make the doughnut layer, first line a 6-inch cake pan with plastic wrap, and then add the doughnuts to the pan, filling in any holes or crevices with more doughnut. Add a thin layer of buttercream on top, and freeze.

Using the 6-inch pan as a guide, cut out the same size of layer from the cheesecake.

To assemble

Start with cookie layer, and spread with buttercream.

Stack with other layers, and repeat adding buttercream between the layers.

Frost the cake on the sides and top.

Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving (this will allow for easier slicing).

More can't-miss cakes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075367/ultimate-layer-cake-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesMichelle ClausenThu, 26 Feb 2015 08:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075379/best-sprinkles-dessert-recipes
Sprinkles will make anyone's day 100 percent better, so why not add them in copious amounts to your baked goods for happiness to go all around?They're the best way to brighten up any baked good. Perfectly sweet and colorful, everyone loves sprinkles. Whether you fold them into batters and dough or sprinkle them over your treats, they're the ideal reason to eat more dessert.

More dessert recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075379/best-sprinkles-dessert-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesMarnely Rodriguez-MurrayMon, 23 Feb 2015 09:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075427/3-ingredient-vegan-no-bake-thin-mint-cookie-recipe
If you are a fan of the ever-popular Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies and are a vegan, then this recipe is one you will want to keep forever.These Thin Mint-inspired cookies use only three super-simple ingredients, and what's even better is that they are no-bake. Oreos are surprisingly vegan, and by removing the creme filling and dipping the cookie into melted dark chocolate with a few drops of pure peppermint extract, you get a rival to any box of Girl Scout cookies.

Since these cookies require no baking, you can easily invite your little ones into the kitchen to help. They also store well and are a perfect portable dessert for your next picnic or if you just have a sweet tooth you want to satisfy.

Ingredients:

Directions:

Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper, and set it aside.

Gently twist each Oreo cookie and, using a spoon or knife, scrape off and discard the creme filling.

To a double boiler, add the dark chocolate, and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. (If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a glass bowl set on top of a small pot filled with water, bringing it to a boil.)

Once the chocolate has melted, add in the peppermint extract, and mix well. Remove the chocolate from the heat.

Using a fork, gently dip each cookie into the warm chocolate, and allow any excess to drip off.

Place the cookies onto the baking sheet, and allow them to cool until the chocolate has hardened.

More easy no-bake cookie recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075427/3-ingredient-vegan-no-bake-thin-mint-cookie-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesBrandi BidotFri, 20 Feb 2015 13:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1076063/margarita-dessert-recipes
I think everyone I know has had a bad experience with tequila. Cookies and ice pops, though? Not so much.Sometimes you want to indulge in the festive flavors of a margarita but just don't feel like wasting the next day because of a hangover. That's where these treats come in. Sure, you might need a few extra minutes at the gym, but that sure beats risking tequila-induced amnesia and having to use one of your sick days the morning after.

Frozen treats

1. Strawberry margarita cocktail ice pop recipe

These fruity ice pops are made with fresh strawberries and oranges and have just a hint of tequila and triple sec for that authentic margarita flavor.

12. Strawberry margarita cupcakes recipe

Who knew cupcakes could be so cute? Pink frosting and lime green accents make these strawberry margarita cupcakes the perfect addition to your snack spread, be it for a bridal shower, birthday party or lazy Saturday night.

13. Margarita macaroons recipe

Lime and coconut are a perfect flavor pair — heck, there's even a song about it. These pillowy coconut-lime macaroons are no exception. The second you take your first bite, you'll know they were meant to be.

19. Lemon margarita cookies recipe

20. Margarita cake ball truffles recipe

There's no denying that margarita cupcakes are delicious, but when you add margarita buttercream frosting and dip them into white chocolate, you get a dessert that goes beyond anything you could have imagined.

More margarita madness

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1076063/margarita-dessert-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesJustina HuddlestonFri, 20 Feb 2015 09:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1073023/chocolate-mint-dessert-recipes
At the thought of making something that combines luxurious chocolate and bright, fresh mint, my mind goes into overdrive.The first thought that comes to mind when I think chocolate and mint is definitely those Thin Mint cookies. Because they are an obsession across the nation, I've put together a list of not only takes on these cookies but many other dessert recipes that use this delicious combination of flavors to their advantage.

More on chocolate

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1073023/chocolate-mint-dessert-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesMarnely Rodriguez-MurrayWed, 18 Feb 2015 14:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075703/incredibly-easy-fast-healthy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe-video
Baking... It's supposed to be this relaxing, cathartic process where you get lost in the bowls and the mixing and the sugar and the endless sticks of butter and the mountains of chocolate chips. For me, it's more like this:

More super-easy treats

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1075703/incredibly-easy-fast-healthy-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe-videoFood & RecipesDessert RecipesKaren MinerWed, 18 Feb 2015 09:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1068385/boozy-raspberry-vegan-cupcakes-recipe
I have always loved cupcakes, but I love them even more when they are filled with booze. I made these cupcakes vegan because I was baking for my vegan brother, and they turned out even better than expected. Moist, delicious and totally boozy.I was able to find a small bottle of raspberry liqueur at the liquor store, so if you don't want a giant bottle of the stuff sitting around your house, make sure to check out the tiny-bottle options. This cupcake is slightly sweet, but I think it's totally worth it.

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and line a cupcake tray with liners.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda and kosher salt.

In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the water, oil, both extracts and vinegar.

Add the water mixture to the flour mixture, and stir to combine.

Fill the cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full, and bake for about 20 minutes, until fully cooked. Watch your cupcakes, as some ovens might take less or more time to fully cook them.

Poke a few small holes into the tops of your baked cupcakes, and baste the tops with the raspberry liqueur.

Let the cupcakes cool while you prepare your frosting.

For the frosting

To the bowl of an electric mixer, add the vegan butter and vegetable shortening. Cream together until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Add in the fresh raspberries, raspberry liqueur and vanilla extract. Mix together until the raspberries are broken down.

While your mixer is running on slow speed, start adding in the powdered sugar until you have reached your desired consistency. If your raspberries are especially juicy, you might need to add more sugar to reach a thick consistency. I left my frosting a little lose because I like that consistency. If you add too much powdered sugar, then you can thin out the frosting with nondairy milk.

Spread frosting on the cooled cupcakes, and top with a fresh raspberry, if desired.

More cupcake recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1068385/boozy-raspberry-vegan-cupcakes-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesBrandy O'NeillTue, 17 Feb 2015 08:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1072637/sweet-jam-filled-gnocchi-recipe
We're used to gnocchi as a savory dish, but this time, try a sweet version filled with fruity jam.Imagine a big gnocchi ball that's all covered with cookie crumbs, lemon zest and cinnamon and filled with your favorite fruit jam. When you slice through it, the warm fruit oozes out. Imagine how good it is. If I say I will have just a couple, I am lying, because when I have these in front of me, I have much more than my share.

What's great about these gnocchi is that you can make them according to how you want them to taste by using your favorite fruit compote or jam and cookies. With cinnamon, I love plums, apricots, peaches and apples, and I use simple butter cookies to coat them. What about you?

Sweet jam-filled gnocchi recipe

These sweet gnocchi are so fragrant covered with cinnamon and cookies, and as you slice through the soft gnocchi, the fruit comes oozing out. Really delicious!

Directions:

In a pot of salted water, boil the potatoes for about 30 minutes or until very tender.

Using a food processor, make some cookie crumbs by grinding the biscuits to a fine consistency, then add the cinnamon, cane sugar and lemon zest. Place the crumbs on a flat plate, and set them aside.

When the potatoes are cooked, peel them, and then mash them using a potato ricer, or if you don't have one, just use the back of a fork.

Change the water in the pot, and start boiling it to cook the gnocchi.

To a floured pasta board, transfer the mashed potatoes, and add 1 cup of the flour, the nutmeg, sugar, salt and egg. Mix well until you have a soft, compact dough that is not too sticky. Using the remaining flour, add more if needed. Using less flour will result in soft gnocchi, whereas using more flour will result in chewy gnocchi.

With a rolling pin, flatten the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, and then use a round food cutter (about 8 centimeters) to make round discs.

Put about a teaspoon of jam in the middle of each disc, and gather the sides to make a ball, taking extra care that the jam doesn't leak out. Do the same with the remaining discs. Cover the gnocchi with more flour so they don't stick to the plate.

Into the pot of boiling water, carefully drop the gnocchi, and cook for about 7 minutes. Do not overcrowd in the pot. Do this in batches if needed.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the gnocchi from the water, letting them drain well.

Roll them on the plate of cookie crumbs, coating them well.

Serve them immediately while they are still warm.

Note: When they get cold and harden, you can warm them up quickly in the microwave.

More gnocchi recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1072637/sweet-jam-filled-gnocchi-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesRowena Dumlao-Giardina Sat, 14 Feb 2015 12:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1071531/fudge-thumbprints-strawberry-amaretto-jam-recipe
I resisted the whole "put black beans in your baked goods to make them healthier" movement for as long as I could. Really, I refused for years before giving in a few months ago.After an overzealous wholesale purchase of a case of black beans, I decided I had enough on hand to finally give this thing a shot. And you know what? It's actually not bad. Heck, I'd say they're pretty good!

They're also pretty much perfect for Valentine's Day, with their fudgy cookie texture and red strawberry filling. The fact that they have a little hint of booze and a whole lot of healthy going on in them doesn't hurt either. Say "I love you" with some cookies this year.

Fudge thumbprints with strawberry-amaretto jam recipe

These fudgy cookies with a secret healthy ingredient have a boozy strawberry center and are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

More thumbprint cookie recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1071531/fudge-thumbprints-strawberry-amaretto-jam-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesGina MatsoukasTue, 10 Feb 2015 10:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1071287/decadent-chocolate-cake-recipes
You've already started cheating on your resolutions a bit, right? And now Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Not that you needed an excuse to eat more chocolate cake, but you've got one if you want one.This Valentine's Day, bake up a storm in your kitchen, and whip up these recipes for chocolate cake: indulgent, decadent and truly delicious. Because a slice of chocolate cake cures all that ails you — it's just what the doctor ordered. P.S.: We are not doctors, but we do love chocolate cake.

More on Valentine's Day

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1072937/valentines-day-microwave-brownie-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesGlynis TaborSun, 08 Feb 2015 09:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069987/no-bake-red-velvet-cheesecake-recipe
You get not one but two super-yummy desserts in one with this easy, no-bake dessert recipe: red velvet <em>and</em> cheesecake!Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and if you are like me and really don't like baking, then this is an excellent yet impressive dessert for your love.

Cream cheese that has been softened to room temperature is blended with tart sour cream and red velvet cake batter mix, then poured into a chocolaty pie shell. All you have to do is chill this cheesecake until it sets. It's that easy!

I love adding a nice, big dollop of whipped cream on top before serving. You will love the ease of preparing this dessert while your sweetie loves you for making it.

More Valentine's Day desserts

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069987/no-bake-red-velvet-cheesecake-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesBrandi BidotSat, 07 Feb 2015 06:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1070993/ancho-chili-chocolate-truffles-recipe
Ancho chili for dessert is a good thing when it's made with rich dark chocolate. And the minute you sink your teeth into these decadent little gems, you'll taste it.You'll get ancho chili, dark chocolate and a splash of heat with every bite. These truffles pack a sassy punch with the sweet and spicy taste of dark chocolate.

Then there's the cocoa powder coating made with hot cayenne chili pepper that will have you coming back for more. Very slow bites are required to taste all the goodness.

I especially liked this one, as you might have noticed. The soft and rich chocolate tastes so good with the taste of ancho chili. Something you'll have no problem sinking your teeth into.

Ancho chili-chocolate truffles with spicy cocoa powder recipe

Decadent and rich chocolate truffles made with ancho chili powder and coated in spicy cocoa powder have just enough spice and plenty of chocolate in every bite.

More truffle recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1070993/ancho-chili-chocolate-truffles-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesNancy F.Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:20:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1071281/best-dark-chocolate-recipes
When it comes to dark chocolate, we are all about eating, eating and eating. But once in a while, our dark chocolate cravings give in to something more luxurious. Something more decadent. And something a heck of a lot more healthy (sort of). Let's dig in!

More dark chocolate recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1071281/best-dark-chocolate-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesIrina GonzalezWed, 04 Feb 2015 21:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1070061/dark-chocolate-dessert-recipes
Dark chocolate gets a bad rap as the less-delectable choice of chocolate, but prepared correctly, it's just as decadent as its more popular counterpart. These are our favorite recipes that include this tasty treat.

More dark chocolate recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1070061/dark-chocolate-dessert-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesWhitney CoyWed, 04 Feb 2015 09:30:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1068373/grapefruit-rosemary-cake-recipe
If I had to pick one shortcut I love using in the kitchen, it's using box cake mixes. While I think it's important to learn how to bake from scratch, it's nice to take a few shortcuts every once in a while.This simple cake starts with a white cake mix and flavors it up with fresh grapefruit juice and rosemary. The combination of flavors is out of this world and packs a big, sweet punch. The glaze is easy to mix together, and when drizzled on top, it takes this cake from plain Jane to fancy Frannie.

Super-easy grapefruit-rosemary cake recipe

This simple cake is packed full of fresh grapefruit flavor and delicious rosemary. A breeze to make and perfect when drizzled with a fresh, sweet glaze.

More cake recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1068373/grapefruit-rosemary-cake-recipeFood & RecipesDessert RecipesBrandy O'NeillWed, 04 Feb 2015 05:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069933/red-velvet-dessert-recipes
The love for delicious red velvet desserts is a strong one. Whether it's bright red, dark red or a brick-colored dessert, a slice, a square, a bite of it will never suffice! So that's why we've put together this list of unique red velvet desserts that will blow your taste buds out of the water!'Tis the season for everything red velvet, so we've got you covered with our favorite recipes from around the web to get your creative juices flowing.

More red velvet recipes

]]>http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069933/red-velvet-dessert-recipesFood & RecipesDessert RecipesMarnely Rodriguez-MurraySat, 31 Jan 2015 09:00:00 -0800http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/1069179/spiced-apple-cobbler-stuffed-apples-recipe
If you love apple pie or apple cobbler, then this super-easy treat will be a new favorite for you. Skipping highly processed foods like white flour, white sugar and other bad-for-you ingredients, this is strictly fresh apples, gluten-free oats and a mixture of chopped nuts, coconut sugar and spices. You won't feel bad about eating this dessert.

If you're like me and love just the filling in apple pie, then you're in for a treat. This is exactly what these baked apples taste like. Not too sweet and not too bland, you will fool yourself into thinking these apples are anything but waistline-friendly. Leftovers also make a great side dish in kids' lunch boxes, since they are good both warm and chilled.

Spiced apple cobbler-stuffed apples recipe

Fresh Fuji apples are filled with a spiced oat-and-nut mixture and then baked until fragrant and soft for a healthy, guilt-free dessert.

But how do you make high-octane Oreos, anyway? It's more than just swapping out your glass of milk for a glass of Baileys (although now that I think of it, that would probably be amazing), but thankfully it is pretty easy. All it takes is some Oreo-flavored Jell-O pudding mix, milk and 4 shots of the alcohol of your choice. Scrape the filling from your Oreos, replace with a dollop of pudding, and voilà!

You could choose from a variety of alcohols to make your cookies extra tasty. Try Chambord for a delicious raspberry-chocolate treat, Cointreau for orange, Kahlua to make mocha cookies or crème de menthe for chocolate mint. The possibilities are endless!